Avi's Cohen's death rocked the whole club, insists Bolton boss Coyle

25 April 2011 08:36

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Owen Coyle paid an emotional tribute to Tamir Cohen after the Bolton midfielder scored a late winner against Arsenal.

The 27-year-old tearfully celebrated his strike by pulling off his shirt to reveal a vest emblazoned with a picture of his father, Avi, who died last December after being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Gunners' gonners: Cohen (centre) heads home the 90th-minute winner

'Tamir has had such a difficult year,' said Coyle. 'He had an operation in the summer and by the time he was up and running, the lads were flying because we had a good start to the season.

Tribute: Cohen revealed an image of his late father

'He was on the brink of coming back in when his father passed away. Avi had actually spent a week with us at the training ground just before he passed away.

'When you got to know Avi, you couldn't help but become attached to him. I know it was emotional for Tamir but it was emotional for the lads as well.

Letter of the law: The gesture earned Cohen a booking from referee Mike Jones

'Tamir has a huge burden as his father (a former player for Liverpool) was such a huge name in Israel. For him to get that winner, I am delighted because it has been a traumatic year.'

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